Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi – författare

With growing global competition, the process industries must spare no effort in insuring continuous process improvement in terms of  Increasing profitability; Conservation of resources and Prevention of pollution.The question is how can engineers achieve these goals for a given process with numerous units and streams? Until recently conventional approaches to process design and operation put emphasis only on individual units and parts of the process. A more powerful integrated approach was lacking. The new field of Process Integration looks towards the processing plant as a whole in its attempt to find solutions and improvements. Research over the past two decades has resulted in many techniques that allow engineers to better understand complex facilities and significantly enhance their performance. This textbook presents a comprehensive and authoritative treatment of the concepts, tools and applications of Process Integration. Emphasis is given to systematic ways of analyzing process performance. Graphical, algebraic and mathematical procedures are presented in detail. In addition to covering the fundamentals of the subject, the book also includes numerous case studies and examples that illustrate how Process Integration is solving actual industrial problems.- Systematic methodology for analyzing the process as an integrated system, identifying global insights of the process, and generating optimum strategies and solutions- Proper mix of fundamental principles, insightful tools, and industrial applications- Generic techniques that are applicable to a wide variety of processing facilities- Packed with case studies, practical tools, charts, tables, and performance criteria- Extensive bibliography to provide ready access to process integration literature- Excellent review of state-of-the-art technology, development trends, and future research directions

The environmental impact of industrial waste is one of the most serious challenges facing the chemical process industries. From a focus on end-of-pipe treatment in the 1970s, chemical manufacturers have increasinglyimplemented pollution prevention policies in which pollutants are mitigated at the source or separated and recovered and then reused or sold.This book is the first to present systematic techniques for cost-effective pollution prevention, altering what has been an art that depends on experience and subjective opinion into a science rooted in fundamental engineering principles and process integration. Step-by-step procedures are presented that are widely applicable to the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, food, and metals industries.Various levels of sophistication ranging from graphical methods to algebraic procedures and mathematical optimization, numerous applications and case studies, and integrated software for optimizing waste recovery systems make Pollution Prevention through Process Integration: Systematic Design Tools a must read for a wide spectrum of practicing engineers, environmental scientists, plant managers, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers in the areas of pollution prevention andprocess integration.- Allows the reader to establish pollution-prevention targets for a process and then develop implementable, cost-effective solutions- Contains step-by-step procedures that can be applied to environmental problems in a wide variety of process industries- Integrates pollution prevention with other process objectives- Author is internationally recognized for pioneering work in developing mass integration science and technology

As the cleanest source of fossil energy with the most advantageous CO2 footprint, natural gas continues to increase its share in the global energy market. This book provides state-of-the-art contributions in the area of gas processing. Special emphasis is given to Liquified Natural Gas (LNG); the book also covers the following gas processing applications in parallel sessions:* Natural Gas processing and treatment * Gas To Power and water* Gas To Liquid (GTL)* Gas To Petrochemicals, including olefins, ammonia and methanol* Provides a state-of-the-art review of gas processing technologies* Covers design, operating tools, and methodologies* Includes case studies and practical applications

This timely book provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques on the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes.Over the past three decades, significant advances have been made in treating, designing, and operating chemical processes as integrated systems. Whether you are a process engineer, an industrial decision maker, or a researcher, this book will be an indispensable resource tool for systematically enhancing process performance and developing novel and sustainable process designs. The book is also ideal for use as a text in an upper level undergraduate or an introductory graduate course on process design and sustainability.This ground breaking reference enhances and reconciles various process and sustainability objectives, such as cost effectiveness, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention. The detailed tools and applications within are written by one of the world''s foremost process integration and design experts and will save you time and money.- Contains state-of-the-art process integration approaches and applications including graphical, algebraic, and mathematical techniques- Covers applications that include process economics, targeting for conservation of mass and energy, synthesis of innovative processes, retrofitting of existing systems, design and assessment of renewable energy systems, and in-process pollution prevention- Presents fundamentals and step-by-step procedures that can be applied to the design and optimization of new processes as well the retrofitting and operation of existing processes, as well as including numerous examples and case studies for a broad array of industrial systems and processes

With growing global competition, the process industries must spare no effort in insuring continuous process improvement in terms of Increasing profitability; Conservation of resources and Prevention of pollution.

The question is how can engineers achieve these goals for a given process with numerous units and streams? Until recently conventional approaches to process design and operation put emphasis only on individual units and parts of the process. A more powerful integrated approach was lacking. The new field of Process Integration looks towards the processing plant as a whole in its attempt to find solutions and improvements. Research over the past two decades has resulted in many techniques that allow engineers to better understand complex facilities and significantly enhance their performance. This textbook presents a comprehensive and authoritative treatment of the concepts, tools and applications of Process Integration. Emphasis is given to systematic ways of analyzing process performance. Graphical, algebraic and mathematical procedures are presented in detail. In addition to covering the fundamentals of the subject, the book also includes numerous case studies and examples that illustrate how Process Integration is solving actual industrial problems.

Systematic methodology for analyzing the process as an integrated system, identifying global insights of the process, and generating optimum strategies and solutions Proper mix of fundamental principles, insightful tools, and industrial applications Generic techniques that are applicable to a wide variety of processing facilities Packed with case studies, practical tools, charts, tables, and performance criteria Extensive bibliography to provide ready access to process integration literature Excellent review of state-of-the-art technology, development trends, and future research directions

Sustainable Design through Process Integration: Fundamentals and Applications to Industrial Pollution Prevention, Resource Conservation, and Profitability Enhancement, Second Edition, is an important textbook that provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques on the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes. The book is ideal for adoption in process design and sustainability courses. It is also a valuable guidebook to process, chemical, and environmental engineers who need to improve the design, operation, performance, and sustainability of industrial plants. The book covers pressing and high growth topics, including benchmarking process performance, identifying root causes of problems and opportunities for improvement, designing integrated solutions, enhancing profitability, conserving natural resources, and preventing pollution. Written by one of the world's foremost authorities on integrated process design and sustainability, the new edition contains new chapters and updated materials on various aspects of process integration and sustainable design. The new edition is also packed with numerous new examples and industrial applications.

Allows the reader to methodically develop rigorous targets that benchmark the performance of industrial processes then develop cost-effective implementations Contains state-of-the-art process integration and improvement approaches and techniques including graphical, algebraic, and mathematical methods Covers topics and applications that include profitability enhancement, mass and energy conservation, synthesis of innovative processes, retrofitting of existing systems, design and assessment of water, energy, and water-energy-nexus systems, and reconciliation of various sustainability objectives

Sustainable Design through Process Integration: Fundamentals and Applications to Industrial Pollution Prevention, Resource Conservation, and Profitability Enhancement, Second Edition, is an important textbook that provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques on the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes. The book is ideal for adoption in process design and sustainability courses. It is also a valuable guidebook to process, chemical, and environmental engineers who need to improve the design, operation, performance, and sustainability of industrial plants. The book covers pressing and high growth topics, including benchmarking process performance, identifying root causes of problems and opportunities for improvement, designing integrated solutions, enhancing profitability, conserving natural resources, and preventing pollution. Written by one of the world''s foremost authorities on integrated process design and sustainability, the new edition contains new chapters and updated materials on various aspects of process integration and sustainable design. The new edition is also packed with numerous new examples and industrial applications.- Allows the reader to methodically develop rigorous targets that benchmark the performance of industrial processes then develop cost-effective implementations- Contains state-of-the-art process integration and improvement approaches and techniques including graphical, algebraic, and mathematical methods- Covers topics and applications that include profitability enhancement, mass and energy conservation, synthesis of innovative processes, retrofitting of existing systems, design and assessment of water, energy, and water-energy-nexus systems, and reconciliation of various sustainability objectives

Sustainable Design through Process Integration: Fundamentals and Applications to Industrial Pollution Prevention, Resource Conservation, and Profitability Enhancement, Third Edition provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques on the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability in industrial processes. Sections cover new information on the inclusion of sustainability objectives within different front-end loading stages of design, carbon management and monetization, design of renewable energy systems and integration with existing infrastructure, incorporation of process safety in design, resilience principles and design approaches, modular design, industrial symbiosis, and open-ended mini projects on sustainable design.

Provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques in the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processesHelps readers systematically develop rigorous targets that benchmark the performance of industrial processes and develop cost-effective implementationsContains state-of-the-art process integration approaches and applications, including graphical, algebraic, and mathematical techniquesCovers applications, including process economics, targeting for conservation of mass and energy, synthesis of innovative processes, retrofitting of existing systems, integration of process components, and in-process pollution preventionIncludes numerous examples and case studies for a broad array of industrial systems and processes

Sustainable Design through Process Integration: Fundamentals and Applications to Industrial Pollution Prevention, Resource Conservation, and Profitability Enhancement, Third Edition provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques on the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability in industrial processes. Sections cover new information on the inclusion of sustainability objectives within different front-end loading stages of design, carbon management and monetization, design of renewable energy systems and integration with existing infrastructure, incorporation of process safety in design, resilience principles and design approaches, modular design, industrial symbiosis, and open-ended mini projects on sustainable design.- Provides authoritative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow coverage of the fundamental concepts and practical techniques in the use of process integration to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes- Helps readers systematically develop rigorous targets that benchmark the performance of industrial processes and develop cost-effective implementations- Contains state-of-the-art process integration approaches and applications, including graphical, algebraic, and mathematical techniques- Covers applications, including process economics, targeting for conservation of mass and energy, synthesis of innovative processes, retrofitting of existing systems, integration of process components, and in-process pollution prevention- Includes numerous examples and case studies for a broad array of industrial systems and processes

As the cleanest source of fossil energy with the most advantageous CO2 footprint, natural gas continues to increase its share in the global energy market. This book provides state-of-the-art contributions in the area of gas processing. Special emphasis is given to Liquified Natural Gas (LNG); the book also covers the following gas processing applications in parallel sessions:* Natural Gas processing and treatment * Gas To Power and water* Gas To Liquid (GTL)* Gas To Petrochemicals, including olefins, ammonia and methanolProvides a state-of-the-art review of gas processing technologiesCovers design, operating tools, and methodologiesIncludes case studies and practical applications

An examination of systematic techniques for the design of sustainable processes and products, this book covers reducing energy consumption, preventing pollution, developing new pathways for biofuels, and producing environmentally friendly and high-quality products. It discusses innovative design approaches and technological pathways that impact ene

Integrated Biorefineries: Design, Analysis, and Optimization examines how to create a competitive edge in biorefinery innovation through integration into existing processes and infrastructure. Leading experts from around the world working in design, synthesis, and optimization of integrated biorefineries present the various aspects of this complex

This book covers recent developments in process systems engineering (PSE) for efficient resource use in biomass conversion systems. It provides an overview of process development in biomass conversion systems with focus on biorefineries involving the production and coproduction of fuels, heating, cooling, and chemicals. The scope includes grassroots and retrofitting applications. In order to reach high levels of processing efficiency, it also covers techniques and applications of natural-resource (mass and energy) conservation. Technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects of biorefineries are discussed and reconciled. The assessment scales vary from unit- to process- and life-cycle or supply chain levels.

The chapters are written by leading experts from around the world, and present an integrated set of contributions. Providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of various aspects of bioenergy systems, the book is suitable for both academic researchers and energy professionals in industry.

This book covers recent developments in process systems engineering (PSE) for efficient resource use in biomass conversion systems. It provides an overview of process development in biomass conversion systems with focus on biorefineries involving the production and coproduction of fuels, heating, cooling, and chemicals. The scope includes grassroots and retrofitting applications. In order to reach high levels of processing efficiency, it also covers techniques and applications of natural-resource (mass and energy) conservation. Technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects of biorefineries are discussed and reconciled. The assessment scales vary from unit- to process- and life-cycle or supply chain levels.

The chapters are written by leading experts from around the world, and present an integrated set of contributions. Providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of various aspects of bioenergy systems, the book is suitable for both academic researchers and energy professionals in industry.

This book covers recent developments in process systems engineering (PSE) for efficient resource use in biomass conversion systems. It provides an overview of process development in biomass conversion systems with focus on biorefineries involving the production and coproduction of fuels, heating, cooling, and chemicals. The scope includes grassroots and retrofitting applications. In order to reach high levels of processing efficiency, it also covers techniques and applications of natural-resource (mass and energy) conservation. Technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects of biorefineries are discussed and reconciled. The assessment scales vary from unit- to process- and life-cycle or supply chain levels. The chapters are written by leading experts from around the world, and present an integrated set of contributions. Providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of various aspects of bioenergy systems, the book is suitable for both academic researchers and energy professionals in industry.

A comprehensive review of the current status and challenges for natural gas and shale gas production, treatment and monetization technologies 

Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream presents an international perspective on the production and monetization of shale gas and natural gas. The authors review techno-economic assessments of the midstream and downstream natural gas processing technologies.

Comprehensive in scope, the text offers insight into the current status and the challenges facing the advancement of the midstream natural gas treatments. Treatments covered include gas sweeting processes, sulfur recovery units, gas dehydration and natural gas pipeline transportation.

The authors highlight the downstream processes including physical treatment and chemical conversion of both direct and indirect conversion. The book also contains an important overview of natural gas monetization processes and the potential for shale gas to play a role in the future of the energy market, specifically for the production of ultra-clean fuels and value-added chemicals. This vital resource:

Provides fundamental chemical engineering aspects of natural gas technologies Covers topics related to upstream, midstream and downstream natural gas treatment and processing Contains well-integrated coverage of several technologies and processes for treatment and production of natural gas Highlights the economic factors and risks facing the monetization technologies Discusses supply chain, environmental and safety issues associated with the emerging shale gas industry Identifies future trends in educational and research opportunities, directions and emerging opportunities in natural gas monetization Includes contributions from leading researchers in academia and industry

Written for Industrial scientists, academic researchers and government agencies working on developing and sustaining state-of-the-art technologies in gas and fuels production and processing, Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream provides a broad overview of the current status and challenges for natural gas production, treatment and monetization technologies.

A comprehensive review of the current status and challenges for natural gas and shale gas production, treatment and monetization technologies 

Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream presents an international perspective on the production and monetization of shale gas and natural gas. The authors review techno-economic assessments of the midstream and downstream natural gas processing technologies.

Comprehensive in scope, the text offers insight into the current status and the challenges facing the advancement of the midstream natural gas treatments. Treatments covered include gas sweeting processes, sulfur recovery units, gas dehydration and natural gas pipeline transportation.

The authors highlight the downstream processes including physical treatment and chemical conversion of both direct and indirect conversion. The book also contains an important overview of natural gas monetization processes and the potential for shale gas to play a role in the future of the energy market, specifically for the production of ultra-clean fuels and value-added chemicals. This vital resource:

Provides fundamental chemical engineering aspects of natural gas technologies Covers topics related to upstream, midstream and downstream natural gas treatment and processing Contains well-integrated coverage of several technologies and processes for treatment and production of natural gas Highlights the economic factors and risks facing the monetization technologies Discusses supply chain, environmental and safety issues associated with the emerging shale gas industry Identifies future trends in educational and research opportunities, directions and emerging opportunities in natural gas monetization Includes contributions from leading researchers in academia and industry

Written for Industrial scientists, academic researchers and government agencies working on developing and sustaining state-of-the-art technologies in gas and fuels production and processing, Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream provides a broad overview of the current status and challenges for natural gas production, treatment and monetization technologies.

A comprehensive review of the current status and challenges for natural gas and shale gas production, treatment and monetization technologies Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream presents an international perspective on the production and monetization of shale gas and natural gas. The authors review techno-economic assessments of the midstream and downstream natural gas processing technologies.Comprehensive in scope, the text offers insight into the current status and the challenges facing the advancement of the midstream natural gas treatments. Treatments covered include gas sweeting processes, sulfur recovery units, gas dehydration and natural gas pipeline transportation.The authors highlight the downstream processes including physical treatment and chemical conversion of both direct and indirect conversion. The book also contains an important overview of natural gas monetization processes and the potential for shale gas to play a role in the future of the energy market, specifically for the production of ultra-clean fuels and value-added chemicals. This vital resource: Provides fundamental chemical engineering aspects of natural gas technologiesCovers topics related to upstream, midstream and downstream natural gas treatment and processingContains well-integrated coverage of several technologies and processes for treatment and production of natural gasHighlights the economic factors and risks facing the monetization technologiesDiscusses supply chain, environmental and safety issues associated with the emerging shale gas industryIdentifies future trends in educational and research opportunities, directions and emerging opportunities in natural gas monetizationIncludes contributions from leading researchers in academia and industryWritten for Industrial scientists, academic researchers and government agencies working on developing and sustaining state-of-the-art technologies in gas and fuels production and processing, Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream provides a broad overview of the current status and challenges for natural gas production, treatment and monetization technologies.

Integrated Biorefineries: Design, Analysis, and Optimization examines how to create a competitive edge in biorefinery innovation through integration into existing processes and infrastructure. Leading experts from around the world working in design, synthesis, and optimization of integrated biorefineries present the various aspects of this complex process, capturing the state of the art in the advancing bioeconomy. The book defines an integrated biorefinery as a processing facility that transforms biomass into value-added products—from biofuels and biochemicals to food and pharmaceuticals. The chapters cover biorefinery product and process design, supply chains, process analysis, feedstocks, technologies, and policy and environmental analysis. They focus on second-generation feedstocks, including forestry resources, energy crops, agricultural residues, oils, and various waste materials.With the growing interest in sustainability in general and in renewable resources in industrial facilities, biorefineries are likely to play increasingly significant roles and have greater economic, environmental, and societal impact. This book fills an information gap by presenting cutting-edge advances that can effectively guide engineers and decision makers in the synthesis, selection, design, analysis, and optimization of biorefineries.

Integrated Biorefineries: Design, Analysis, and Optimization examines how to create a competitive edge in biorefinery innovation through integration into existing processes and infrastructure. Leading experts from around the world working in design, synthesis, and optimization of integrated biorefineries present the various aspects of this complex

An examination of systematic techniques for the design of sustainable processes and products, this book covers reducing energy consumption, preventing pollution, developing new pathways for biofuels, and producing environmentally friendly and high-quality products. It discusses innovative design approaches and technological pathways that impact ene

Presents comprehensive coverage of process intensification and integration for sustainable design, along with fundamental techniques and experiences from the industryDrawing from fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences, this book discusses the many developments in process intensification and integration and focuses on increasing sustainability via several overarching topics such as Sustainable Manufacturing, Energy Saving Technologies, and Resource Conservation and Pollution Prevention Techniques.Process Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design starts discussions on: shale gas as an option for the production of chemicals and challenges for process intensification; the design and techno-economic analysis of separation units to handle feedstock variability in shale gas treatment; RO-PRO desalination; and techno-economic and environmental assessment of ultrathin polysulfone membranes for oxygen-enriched combustion. Next, it looks at process intensification of membrane-based systems for water, energy, and environment applications; the design of internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC); and graphical analysis and integration of heat exchanger networks with heat pumps. Decomposition and implementation of large-scale interplant heat integration is covered, as is the synthesis of combined heat and mass exchange networks (CHAMENs) with renewables. The book also covers optimization strategies for integrating and intensifying housing complexes; a sustainable biomass conversion process assessment; and more. Covers the many advances and changes in process intensification and integrationProvides side-by-side discussions of fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences to guide practitioners in their own processesPresents comprehensive coverage of topics relevant, among others, to the process industry, biorefineries, and plant energy managementOffers insightful analysis and integration of reactor and heat exchanger networkLooks at optimization of integrated water and multi-regenerator membrane systems involving multi-contaminantsProcess Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design is an ideal book for process engineers, chemical engineers, engineering scientists, engineering consultants, and chemists.

Presents comprehensive coverage of process intensification and integration for sustainable design, along with fundamental techniques and experiences from the industry

Drawing from fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences, this book discusses the many developments in process intensification and integration and focuses on increasing sustainability via several overarching topics such as Sustainable Manufacturing, Energy Saving Technologies, and Resource Conservation and Pollution Prevention Techniques.

Process Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design starts discussions on: shale gas as an option for the production of chemicals and challenges for process intensification; the design and techno-economic analysis of separation units to handle feedstock variability in shale gas treatment; RO-PRO desalination; and techno-economic and environmental assessment of ultrathin polysulfone membranes for oxygen-enriched combustion. Next, it looks at process intensification of membrane-based systems for water, energy, and environment applications; the design of internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC); and graphical analysis and integration of heat exchanger networks with heat pumps. Decomposition and implementation of large-scale interplant heat integration is covered, as is the synthesis of combined heat and mass exchange networks (CHAMENs) with renewables. The book also covers optimization strategies for integrating and intensifying housing complexes; a sustainable biomass conversion process assessment; and more.

Covers the many advances and changes in process intensification and integration Provides side-by-side discussions of fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences to guide practitioners in their own processes Presents comprehensive coverage of topics relevant, among others, to the process industry, biorefineries, and plant energy management Offers insightful analysis and integration of reactor and heat exchanger network Looks at optimization of integrated water and multi-regenerator membrane systems involving multi-contaminants

Process Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design is an ideal book for process engineers, chemical engineers, engineering scientists, engineering consultants, and chemists.

Presents comprehensive coverage of process intensification and integration for sustainable design, along with fundamental techniques and experiences from the industry

Drawing from fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences, this book discusses the many developments in process intensification and integration and focuses on increasing sustainability via several overarching topics such as Sustainable Manufacturing, Energy Saving Technologies, and Resource Conservation and Pollution Prevention Techniques.

Process Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design starts discussions on: shale gas as an option for the production of chemicals and challenges for process intensification; the design and techno-economic analysis of separation units to handle feedstock variability in shale gas treatment; RO-PRO desalination; and techno-economic and environmental assessment of ultrathin polysulfone membranes for oxygen-enriched combustion. Next, it looks at process intensification of membrane-based systems for water, energy, and environment applications; the design of internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC); and graphical analysis and integration of heat exchanger networks with heat pumps. Decomposition and implementation of large-scale interplant heat integration is covered, as is the synthesis of combined heat and mass exchange networks (CHAMENs) with renewables. The book also covers optimization strategies for integrating and intensifying housing complexes; a sustainable biomass conversion process assessment; and more.

Covers the many advances and changes in process intensification and integration Provides side-by-side discussions of fundamental techniques and recent industrial experiences to guide practitioners in their own processes Presents comprehensive coverage of topics relevant, among others, to the process industry, biorefineries, and plant energy management Offers insightful analysis and integration of reactor and heat exchanger network Looks at optimization of integrated water and multi-regenerator membrane systems involving multi-contaminants

Process Intensification and Integration for Sustainable Design is an ideal book for process engineers, chemical engineers, engineering scientists, engineering consultants, and chemists.

The International Conference on the State of the Art on Biogas Technology, Transfer and Diffusion was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 17 to 24 November 1984. The Conference was organized by the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASR T), the Egyptian National Research Centre (NRC), the Bioenergy Systems and Technology project (BST) of the US Agency for International Development (US/AID) Office of Energy, and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). A number of international organizations and agencies co-sponsored the Conference. More than 100 participants from 40 countries attended. The purpose of the Conference was to assess the viability of biogas technology (BGT) and propose future courses of action for exploiting BGT prospects to the fullest extent. The Conference emphasized a balanced coverage of technical, environ­ mental, social, economic and organizational aspects relevant to biogas systems design, operation and diffusion. It was organized to incorporate experiences that are pertinent, for the most part, to developing countries. In addition to the wide spectrum of presentations and country programs, structured and non-structured discussions among the participants were strongly encouraged in thematic sessions at round-table discussions, and through personal contacts during poster sessions and field trips. It was clear from the enthusiastic response of most participants that the Conference, in large measure, succeeded in fulfilling its mission. Although draft papers were distributed to all participants, it was felt that the results obtained were worthy of organized and refined documentation. And this is precisely what this book intends to do.

The International Conference on the State of the Art on Biogas Technology, Transfer and Diffusion was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 17 to 24 November 1984. The Conference was organized by the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASR T), the Egyptian National Research Centre (NRC), the Bioenergy Systems and Technology project (BST) of the US Agency for International Development (US/AID) Office of Energy, and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). A number of international organizations and agencies co-sponsored the Conference. More than 100 participants from 40 countries attended. The purpose of the Conference was to assess the viability of biogas technology (BGT) and propose future courses of action for exploiting BGT prospects to the fullest extent. The Conference emphasized a balanced coverage of technical, environ­ mental, social, economic and organizational aspects relevant to biogas systems design, operation and diffusion. It was organized to incorporate experiences that are pertinent, for the most part, to developing countries. In addition to the wide spectrum of presentations and country programs, structured and non-structured discussions among the participants were strongly encouraged in thematic sessions at round-table discussions, and through personal contacts during poster sessions and field trips. It was clear from the enthusiastic response of most participants that the Conference, in large measure, succeeded in fulfilling its mission. Although draft papers were distributed to all participants, it was felt that the results obtained were worthy of organized and refined documentation. And this is precisely what this book intends to do.